Published: 26 March 2019

Kotahitanga | Together
Join Auckland’s remembrance for Christchurch
Friday 29 March | Eden Park, Kingsland
• 1.35pm – Call to prayer (arrive by 1.15pm)
• 2.30pm – Remembrance programme begins (arrive by 2.15pm)

Aucklanders are being invited to come together at Eden Park this Friday (29 March) in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Christchurch mosques attack.

Friday's programme confirmed

The line-up of performers has now been confirmed for tomorrow’s Kotahitanga Together - Auckland’s remembrance for Christchurch at Eden Park.

The line-up includes: Dave Dobbyn, Lizzie Marvelly and children from Islamic schools across Auckland singing the national anthem, and a haka and waiata from children of Kowhai Intermediate.

Aucklanders are invited to join in prayers and remembrance activities at Eden Park to honour the 50 victims of the Christchurch mosques attack.

Auckland’s Muslim community has encouraged Muslims to perform their Jummah (Friday) prayers at Eden Park in a show of solidarity.

The public programme is:

• 1.35pm – Call to prayer (public asked to arrive by 1.15pm)
• 2.30pm – Remembrance programme begins (public asked to arrive by 2.15pm)
• Kowhai Intermediate perform haka and waiata
• Lizzie Marvelly and children from Islamic schools across Auckland sing national anthem
• Dave Dobbyn sings Welcome Home
• One minute’s silence
• Final prayer.

An occasion for all Aucklanders

Mayor Phil Goff says all Aucklanders are invited to attend the event to remember those who tragically lost their lives in New Zealand’s worst terror attack.

“I encourage all Aucklanders to come together on Friday to show our support for the Muslim community and the people of Christchurch, and to reaffirm our belief in a multi-cultural and multi-faith city and nation,” says Mayor Goff.

“This will undoubtedly be a poignant occasion and time for reflection as a nation, and the council will be working hard over the coming days to finalise a detailed programme for the event which reflects this.”

“We welcome Aucklanders to join with us in remembrance of the precious lives that were lost on 15 March,” says FIANZ President Br. Mustafa Farouk.

“The devastation our community has felt has been countered by the love, compassion and support from New Zealanders and from people all around the world. We thank you for standing with us and we look forward to coming together with you again on Friday.”

Getting to and from Eden Park

Those travelling to Eden Park are advised to plan ahead and aim to get to there early if they can.
Visit at.govt.nz/events for public transport options and up to date information.
• Western train services will be significantly busier than usual on Friday.
• Travel off-peak if you can, leaving early to allow extra time as roads and public transport will be busy.

• Bus diversions, road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around Eden Park. Please plan your journey before you travel.

Call to prayer

Members of Auckland’s Muslim community will be coming together in prayer before the remembrance programme begins. All Aucklanders are invited to join the prayer.

Those participating in the prayer will need to be in place by 1.15pm. Prayer begins at 1.35pm.

Guidance on Muslim protocol

Like visiting a mosque, there are a few protocols that should be observed for this event, however many protocols have been relaxed to allow as many people as possible to participate in this public event. Please be respectful of those observing their religious and cultural beliefs around you.

We ask that people remove their shoes before entering the prayer room and please dress modestly. If people would like to wear scarves this is welcomed but not essential.

During both the prayer and the remembrance programme, if you wish to leave, please do so discreetly and quietly. We also ask that attendees are courteous and not talk when others are speaking.

Tie a ribbon in remembrance

On arrival at the stadium, volunteers will be offering attendees green ribbons to tie around their wrists in remembrance.

Koha

Collectors will also be stationed at entry points gathering koha (donations) from attendees. Money collected will be given to the families of the victims in Christchurch via approved charities.

Our koha and ribbon volunteers are Auckland Council staff who volunteer for Auckland Emergency Management and work across the council.

National Remembrance Service | Christchurch, 10am

In Christchurch, the National Remembrance Service will begin at 10am in Hagley Park and will be broadcast live. Those wishing to watch this event on a large screen can do so at Eden Park.

Need help?

If you’ve been affected by the Christchurch tragedy, our colleagues in the health and government sector are available to help.

To speak to a trained counsellor, free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. This service is completely free. Visit the 1737 website for more information.

Visit the Ministry for Social Development website or phone the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997. This line is available Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm, and Saturday, between 8am and 1pm.

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